In my own exsperience the Springfield you listed is a good quality inexspensive HG and since I go overboard on cleaning..its alot easier to tear down completely than say by Beretta 96 with all its small pins and springs and there are several just to get to the fireing pin (I've found a use for my kids magnet collection when the springs came out before I was ready). Another consideration might be a Para-Ord.

If your in the Pittsburgh, PA area your welcome to try mine...always looking for a range pal.

Re: first gun

Originally Posted by 1911driver

Look fellas..alot of you did not read my post..atleast not completely. First...it had NOTHING to do with safety as it relates to any particular make of gun. Secondly, I do know that many of you have your favorite make, model or caliber of gun and every time a "Neubie" starts asking "what should I buy"..??? You respond the same each time... I understand and appreciate your loyalty, because it works for you....Now the gist of my post was....That a new reasonably untrained shooter should start off with a Glock (of any caliber), precisely because of its simplicity, and learn the necessary gunhandling, safety and marksmanship skills that will let them become a competent shooter first...then he can go on to the more complicated HK's, Sig's, Beretta's etal, once he has mastered the techniques needed to enjoy his weapon. We had to constantly shift new students over to Glock's at Front Sight, because they found their newly purchased DA/SA HK's etal far too complex and intimidating to learn on. I submit that the ND with the Glock was a result of someone who wasn't totally trained in firearms. How about URFS #1...!!!! Additionally, a ND can happen to anybody with any type of weapon AT ANY TIME...

Easy boss. I'm not knocking Glock. I own two of them, and I adore my G19, but simplicity is relative. As somebody else pointed out, a nice DA revolver would be a good start. A S&W DAO such as a 4046 is going to be just as simple as a Glock.

First off, thanks for all the replys, this is a great site and I look forward to contributing and using it as a resource for years to come. I appreciate all the input, as far as SA vs. Revolvers, I've fired both on several occasions growing up and although I know Revolvers are considered easier to learn on and master, and because they are simplier guns are also considered by beginners as better SD guns, the stubborn side of me prefers the SA. Im going tomorrow to try out several different guns, and after much input here about the 9mm I am now seriously considering one. I've got two friends that told me I should get a higher cal. but that is obviously just their preference. On that note, much like spacedoggy stated this will not be my first or last, I'm already hooked and applied for another permit today. Thanks again.[/quote]

Well I fired the XD-45, XD-9, Glock 21, Glock 22, Springfield 1911, H&K USP(out of my price range but I had to shoot it), and the Beretta 92FS. Although I like the XD alot, and it will probably be my next gun, I love the Beretta, fit great in my hand good accuracy, minimal recoil, good groupings. The only problem is that the local gun shops seem very over priced on their Berettas, can someone please send me some links of some places with good prices to order a gun from, or tell me the average retail on NIB Beretta 92FS(any models). Thanks